Residential Assistant

Residential Assistant – Essex County Council

Salary: £25,959 – £26,285 per annum (full-time equivalent); up to £15,771 per annum pro rata

Location: Chelmsford, Essex, England

Employer: Essex County Council

Contract Type: Permanent

Job Type: Part-time

Working Hours: 22.2 hours per week (rota-based)

Working Pattern: Fixed-base worker

Job Reference: 24344

Closing Date: 18 November 2026

Visa Sponsorship: Not available. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

About the Role

Essex County Council is recruiting a Residential Assistant to join its Adult Social Care team in Chelmsford.

The successful candidate will work within a residential and short-break service, supporting adults to maintain their independence, make choices and enjoy a good quality of life.

You will work alongside adults, their families and other professionals to deliver high-quality, person-centred care in a residential home environment.

The service focuses on prevention, early intervention, enablement and safeguarding, helping adults and their carers access the support they need to live as independently and healthily as possible.

This is a permanent part-time position working 22.2 hours per week. The salary is up to £15,771 per annum pro rata.

Full training and paid induction are provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Support individuals to achieve greater independence and maintain control over their everyday lives in line with their care plans.
• Provide personal care and assist with medication, meal preparation and laundry.
• Help individuals access social and leisure activities, including college classes, resource centres, community activities and other opportunities.
• Monitor individuals’ emotional and general wellbeing, identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns to senior managers.
• Respect individuals’ dignity, privacy and personal choices when delivering care and support.
• Work collaboratively with families, visitors and colleagues to maintain a respectful and supportive environment.
• Follow individual care plans and relevant policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the delivery of a high-quality residential and short-break service.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should demonstrate the following:

• RQF Level 2 qualification (GCSE level) or equivalent experience. Candidates without the qualification must be willing to achieve it within 24 months of starting.
• Previous experience working in a social care setting.
• Experience working effectively as part of a team.
• Good communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Some experience supporting adults with disabilities, or a strong interest in developing a career in this area.
• Understanding of person-centred care, dignity, privacy and promoting individual choice.
• Ability to develop knowledge of vulnerable adult safeguarding, Mental Capacity legislation and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Flexibility, reliability and a compassionate approach to supporting adults.

Previous care experience is essential, and candidates should be confident in carrying out the responsibilities of the role.

Training and Development

Full training is provided, alongside a paid induction.

Successful candidates must also be willing to undertake training in the following areas if they have not already completed it:

• Manual Handling
• First Aid Awareness
• Food Hygiene
• Risk and Conflict Management
• Data Protection
• Health and Safety

Salary and Employee Benefits

Essex County Council offers a range of employee benefits, including:

• Salary of £25,959 – £26,285 per annum full-time equivalent.
• Up to £15,771 per annum pro rata for 22.2 hours per week.
• Permanent employment.
• Paid induction and full training.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Support for employees with unpaid caring responsibilities.
• Opportunities to develop skills and experience within Adult Social Care.

Important Information

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Applicants must already have unrestricted permission to work in the UK.
• Previous experience in social care is required.
• The successful candidate will work on a rota to meet the needs of the residential service.
• A DBS check may be required. Where applicable, employees must register with the DBS Update Service and maintain their annual subscription.
• Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit their applications online through the official Essex County Council recruitment portal.

Job Reference: 24344

Employer: Essex County Council

Closing Date: 18 November 2026

For enquiries about the position, contact: ami.fosker@essex.gov.uk